Reading have opened the voting for the 2023/24 Player of the Season award. 

After two seasons of having the trophy handed out at an end-of-season gala event, this year's award will be made before the final match of the season against Blackpool on Saturday, April 27.

Looking in a strong position to stay in League One after a tumultuous season both on and off the field, supporters are bouncing into the final three matches of the season full of hope and optimism.

Before the official award in handed out in a fortnight, let's take a look at three main contenders for this year's prestigious 60th trophy.

Lewis Wing

Many people's top pick for the award, Wing has proved himself to be one of the best midfielders in League One this season under Ruben Selles.

Arriving after an 18-month spell with Wycombe Wanderers, where he achieved his best individual season with nine goals last year, the North-East native struggled with injury at the start of the campaign.

Taking 10 games to register a goal contribution, the 28-year-old has since gone on to register five in his last five matches and now sits on nine goals and 11 assists.

With enough quality finishes for his own Goal of the Season competition, the creative midfielder has become a fulcrum for the resurgent Royals and will consider himself hard done by if he's not picking up that trophy at the end of the month.

Harvey Knibbs

Another popular summer addition from a League One rival, 24-year-old Knibbs had become a fan favourite in four years with Cambridge United.

Played anywhere across the front line, he never hit double figures for goals but twice netted nine for the U's.

In his debut campaign for the Royals, the Aston Villa youngster has been a revelation in his attacking midfield role, already scoring 15 times in all competitions.

His energy and enthusiasm is contagious and he has already endeared himself to the supporters, something helped along by netting a hattrick against local rivals Swindon Town.

Without a goal contribution in his last seven fixtures, his impact on the team cannot be questioned and he will have more than his fair share of voters for the end-of-season award.

Femi Azeez

One of the few regular performers left over from last season's relegation, Azeez cut a frustrating figure for the first few months of the campaign. Repeatedly getting in the right positions, confidence looked low and the end product lacking as the Royals looked cut adrift in the relegation zone.

As the team changed their fortunes around, so too did the 22-year-old winger.

Relief was clear to see when he scored his first of the campaign against Carlisle United in November, and the winger has gone on to hit 15 goal contributions.

Out of contract in the summer, it could be the final few times we see the Academy graduate in the Royals shirt. Maybe he could round it off with a Player of the Season trophy presentation?

 

Honourable Mentions

Tyler Bindon: 19-year-old Bindon has had an incredible rise this season, joining from LAFC as a teenager yet to make his professional debut. Now a full New Zealand international, the centre-back has had multiple defensive partners and has managed to complement them all with ease. A Rolls Royce of a defender with a long career ahead of him.

Amadou Mbengue: Similar to Bindon, 21-year-old Mbengue has looked beyond his years as one of the more experienced (I know, experienced at 21!) defenders in the team. Still rash with some mistakes in him, his sheer pace and endless enthusiasm makes him a fan favourite. His much-loved celebrations with the fans after every win earn him a few votes alone.

Sam Smith: Returning to his boyhood club after time away learning his trade, Smith has hit 12 goals in 31 appearances despite missing the early stages of the campaign. Still searching for consistency, it has been a strong first season back in Berkshire.